Publications
Investigating dolphin population connectivity in southeast Queensland
This study reveals distinct dolphin populations in southeast Queensland, with limited gene flow between the Great Sandy Marine Park and the unprotected Sunshine Coast waters. Using photo-identification and genetic analysis of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis), researchers found no spatial or social connectivity across regions, indicating socially separate populations. Social network analysis showed high gregariousness and clustering within each region, with mixed-species associations also observed. Genetic data confirmed two distinct populations with limited gene flow, though potential connectivity via unsurveyed areas like eastern K'gari cannot be ruled out. The study also identified tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) as primary predators, with higher scarring in S. sahulensis and greater predation risk in the Great Sandy Marine Park. These findings highlight the need for tailored marine park zoning and enhanced protection in currently unprotected waters.
The Mosquito Fauna of K’Gari (Fraser Island), Australia, the World’s Largest Sand Island
A recent study on K'gari (Fraser Island), the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals a diverse mosquito fauna dominated by freshwater-associated species. The research identified 31 mosquito species across 10 genera, including 10 previously unrecorded on the island, such as Culex gelidus, a known vector for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Using CO2-baited light traps at 28 sites during three surveys in 2024 and 2025, the study found that Culex annulirostris, a major arbovirus vector in Australia, was the most prevalent species, comprising 22% of the total 3,356 mosquitoes collected. Surprisingly, brackish habitat species like Aedes vigilax and Culex sitiens made up less than 5% of the collection, while freshwater species such as Mansonia uniformis and Coquillettidia spp., along with Culiseta arenivaga—a species endemic to K'gari—were abundant. This study highlights the medical importance of K'gari's mosquito fauna and its unique ecological composition.
A population viability analysis of K’gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes)
A population viability analysis (PVA) of K’gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes) reveals that, under favorable conditions, the population is likely to persist over 50 and 100 years. However, high mortality rates significantly increase extinction risk, particularly at low- and mid-level population sizes. Promiscuous breeding behavior, higher female breeding success, and greater male availability mitigate these risks. The study highlights the importance of PVA in identifying critical factors influencing wongari survival but underscores a lack of data on reproduction and mortality, which limits actionable recommendations for conservation managers. Improved data collection is essential to accurately predict the long-term viability of this iconic population.
Islands on fire: Fire and threatened species patterns across Australia's islands
A quarter of Australia's islands, each larger than 1 km², experienced at least 10 fire events over the past two decades, with some, like K’gari (Fraser Island) and Kangaroo Island, suffering severe burns exceeding 30% of their land area. While fire is a natural part of these ecosystems, human population size significantly influences fire intensity, which in turn affects threatened species richness. The study, using remote sensing and long-term datasets, reveals that large, intense fires may pose a threat to island biodiversity, potentially undermining their role as safe havens for endangered species. Collaboration among researchers, practitioners, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders is highlighted as crucial for future fire management and conservation efforts.
Last Glacial Maximum and deglacial branched GDGT‐based palaeotemperature reconstruction from a subtropical Australian wetland
A palaeotemperature reconstruction from Broutha Waterhole, a subtropical wetland on Fraser Island (K’gari), reveals a temperature minimum of 17.0°C during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), with maximum cooling reaching ~4.3°C. This finding aligns with Australia-wide trends and provides a rare quantitative record in the subtropics. The study used glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGT) to analyze sediment cores, capturing a progressive warming trend during deglaciation, interrupted by a 0.8°C–1.6°C cooling event coinciding with the Antarctic Cold Reversal (ACR). The research highlights regional variability in sediment deposition and contributes critical data to understand past climate dynamics in sensitive wetland ecosystems, offering insights for future projections of subtropical warming and drying.
Mid‐Holocene drying of K'gari lakes (subtropical eastern Australia) necessitates re‐evaluation of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation climate links and future drying risk
A mid-Holocene drying event (7640–5600 cal years BP) identified in three deep lakes on K’gari (Fraser Island, subtropical eastern Australia) contradicts the prevailing narrative of late-Holocene aridification linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) intensification. Analysis of sediment cores and geochemical proxies reveals a shift from wetter conditions toward the late Holocene, challenging assumptions about ENSO’s role in regional climate change. This finding underscores the vulnerability of even large, deep lakes—critical for biodiversity, culture, and tourism—to drying under future climate scenarios.
The synergy between Empodisma minus and microbial enzymes in carbon storage and nutrient turnover in the peatlands of K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia
Moderate fire disturbances and the presence of Empodisma minus enhance microbial enzyme activity, nutrient turnover, and carbon sequestration in K’gari’s peatlands. A study across three sites—Moon Point (high E. minus cover), Dilli Swamp (moderate cover with planned 'cool burns'), and Sandy Peat (low cover)—revealed that Dilli Swamp exhibited the highest microbial activity and nutrient availability, while intense wildfires at Moon Point reduced these processes despite higher E. minus dominance. Microbial enzyme activities correlated strongly with moisture content and redox potential, highlighting their pivotal role in peatland resilience. Conservation efforts should prioritize fire management to prevent intense disturbances, ensuring the dominance of E. minus and maintaining carbon storage capacity.
Carbon stock, subsurface characteristics and accommodation settings of sub-tropical peatland Histosols, K'gari, Queensland Australia
Subtropical peatlands on K'gari (Fraser Island), Australia, hold significant carbon stocks comparable to global averages, with some sites storing up to 1665.5 Mg C ha⁻¹. Unlike temperate or montane-alpine Empodisma-dominated peatlands, these subtropical systems exhibit higher bulk density, lower moisture content, and greater humification, particularly in younger Holocene deposits like Moon Point. The study reveals that older morphosequences (e.g., Yankee Jack) and coastal sediment settings limit peat accumulation due to reduced groundwater levels and accommodation space, increasing susceptibility to fires and carbon loss. Climate shifts 6000–5000 years ago favored peat growth across southeast Queensland, but ongoing management is critical to prevent these ecosystems from becoming net carbon emitters.
Chronology and evolution of the world's largest sand island: K'gari (Fraser Island), South East Queensland, Australia
K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibits dune formation patterns linked to glacial cycles over at least three million years. Optically-Stimulated Luminescence dating reveals that major dune units, such as Awinya (>340 ka) and Yankee Jack/Bowarrady (ca. 180 ka), formed during intermediate to high sea levels, with Holocene sequences emerging around 8.5 ka to <0.5 ka. This study demonstrates that storminess also influences dune dynamics at shorter timescales (decades to centuries). The island’s geomorphological significance stems from its long-term stability, shaped by antecedent topography and prolonged interglacial high sea stands, reinforcing its status as a unique example of coastal evolution.
Ecological dynamics in Banksia aemula woodlands following widespread, anthropogenic wildfires on a world heritage listed island (K'gari), Australia
Large-scale, high-intensity wildfires may pose significant risks to biodiversity even within fire-adapted ecosystems. A study on K’gari (Fraser Island) found that sites with intense and recent fires exhibited the lowest vertebrate fauna species richness, including mammals, compared to those with lower-intensity or more frequent historical fires. The research used camera trapping and vegetation surveys to assess 28 fauna and 56 plant species across three fire regimes: long unburnt, low-intensity/historical fires, and high-intensity/recent fires. While Banksia aemula woodlands are adapted to fire, the findings underscore the need for evidence-based fire management strategies in protected areas to mitigate biodiversity loss.
Genomic Consequences of Isolation and Inbreeding in an Island Dingo Population
A new analysis of whole-genome sequences from K’gari (Fraser Island) dingoes reveals significant genomic consequences of isolation and inbreeding, with the island population exhibiting higher levels of very long runs of homozygosity (>5 Mb) than mainland dingoes. This suggests a strong founder effect and small population size, despite evidence that strongly deleterious mutations are being purged. However, mildly deleterious alleles may persist, posing potential long-term risks for conservation. The study, which included 18 dingo genomes, provides critical insights into the genetic resilience of isolated populations under pressure from inbreeding.
Implementing a novel process for solving contentious conservation problems: The genetic status of K'gari wongari (Fraser Island Dingoes) as a case study
A novel participatory approach successfully resolved long-standing conflicts over the genetic health and status of K’gari wongari (Fraser Island Dingoes), providing robust, policy-ready information that met community expectations while gaining expert support. The process involved community workshops to identify priorities, expert workshops to guide research methods, and independent scientific analysis. Despite challenges, this collaborative framework achieved conservation outcomes by balancing stakeholder needs with scientific rigor, demonstrating a replicable model for addressing contentious environmental issues.
The Venom of One of the World’s Most Deadly Spiders may Provide a Novel Drug to Treat Heart Attack and Stroke Patients and Save Lives
Research led by Professor Glenn King from the University of Queensland, Australia, has identified a compound in the venom of the funnel-web spider native to K'gari (Fraser Island) that shows promise as a novel drug for treating heart attack and stroke patients. This compound blocks cellular mechanisms responsible for brain and heart cell death, offering potential therapeutic benefits. The study builds on Paracelsus's principle that toxins can be used therapeutically at appropriate doses. Currently, the group is evaluating the compound's toxicity parameters to meet regulatory requirements set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Clinical trials for treating serious heart attacks are expected to begin in 2025, with potential clinical availability within five years.
Efficacy of Management Efforts to Reduce Food-Related Dingo–Human Interactions and Conflict on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia
Management efforts to reduce food-related conflicts between dingoes and humans on K’gari (Fraser Island) have shown limited success. Analysis of 7,791 unique reports from 1990 to 2020 revealed that while less serious incidents declined over time, trends in severe or fatal interactions remained stable, indicating that current strategies—such as education programs and garbage dump fencing—have reached their effectiveness limits. Food-related conflicts peaked seasonally during breeding and dispersal periods, suggesting a biological link to aggression. The study highlights the need for innovative interventions to protect both dingoes and humans on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area: evaluating change in plant species richness and composition over two decades
A two-decade study of K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area, the world's largest sand island, reveals that while most vegetation communities exhibit resilience to frequent bushfires and invasive species, some ecosystems face significant adverse effects. Analysis of 22 long-term monitoring sites resurveyed in 2021 found no statistically significant changes in plant species richness or composition compared to baseline data from 1995, though recently burnt areas showed the greatest dissimilarity. Notably, Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. incana communities on exposed frontal dunes and dry peat swamps were particularly vulnerable. The study also recorded six invasive plant species known as environmental weeds. These findings underscore the importance of targeted planned burning to mitigate severe bushfire risks and protect biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed landscape.
Trouble in paradise: When two species of conservation and cultural value clash, causing a management conundrum
A staggering 84% of marine turtle nests on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, were predated by dingoes, with only 5.7% confirming successful hatching—a critical threat to two culturally and conservationally significant species. The study revealed that turtle eggs alone could sustain the local dingo population, underscoring a severe management conundrum where predator protection risks exacerbating threats to another endangered species. Researchers surveyed nests across multiple dingo packs, finding consistent predation rates regardless of pack size or location, highlighting an urgent need for intervention to prevent the loss of this rookery site.
A passionate partnership: understanding the origins and significance of John Sinclair’s connection with K’gari (Fraser Island)
John Sinclair's evolution from a conservative politician to a pioneering environmental activist, deeply intertwined with K’gari (Fraser Island), offers profound insights into the development of environmental stewardship and education in Australia. His journey reflects significant parallels with broader trends in environmental activism, highlighting the transformative power of learning from traditional custodians, such as the Butchulla people, and collaboration with other leading environmentalists. Sinclair's memoir and interviews provide a unique lens to understand his enduring connection to K’gari, its historical significance, and its lasting environmental impact. This study underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and cross-disciplinary partnerships in shaping sustainable practices.
Ecological and Cultural Understanding as a Basis for Management of a Globally Significant Island Landscape
K’gari (Fraser Island), an Australian World Heritage Site, faces significant ecological and cultural management challenges due to its unique isolation, biodiversity, and rich First Nations history. Research identifies a contested balance between tourism pressures, biosecurity threats, and climate change while emphasizing the need for equitable co-management involving Indigenous Peoples. The study reveals that island uniqueness, though underfunded in research, demands greater investment to address conservation gaps. It proposes a framework for sustainable management that integrates ecological integrity with cultural custodianship, offering global applicability to similar World Heritage Sites.
Ecological Vulnerability
Human-wildlife conflict, driven by negative interactions between people and wildlife, is a significant contributor to biodiversity loss and species extinction. This study critically analyzes the governance of such conflicts, revealing that legal institutions often exacerbate these issues by promoting individual autonomy while ignoring the interconnected vulnerabilities shared by humans and non-human species. Using case studies from K'gari (Fraser Island) in Australia, Northern Botswana, and the global wildlife trade's role in COVID-19, the research demonstrates how international and state laws fail to address or mitigate these conflicts effectively. The findings underscore the need for transformative management strategies that recognize and integrate the ecological and social dimensions of human-wildlife interactions.
Fraser Island (K'gari) and initiation of the Great Barrier Reef linked by Middle Pleistocene sea-level change
A groundbreaking study links the formation of Fraser Island (K'gari) and the initiation of the Great Barrier Reef to Middle Pleistocene sea-level changes. Using optically stimulated luminescence and palaeomagnetic dating, researchers determined that the extensive dunes of Fraser Island and adjacent Cooloola Sand Mass formed between 1.2 million and 0.7 million years ago during a period of global climate reconfiguration. This formation was driven by increased sea-level fluctuations due to growing ice volume, which redistributed sediment across the continental shelf. The development of Fraser Island significantly reduced sediment supply northward, creating conditions conducive to coral reef growth in the southern and central Great Barrier Reef. This study suggests that such coastal sedimentary system reorganizations may not be unique to eastern Australia and warrants further investigation in other passive-margin coastlines.
Using calibrated surface roughness dating to estimate coastal dune ages at K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Cooloola Sand Mass, Australia
Researchers have developed a novel method to estimate the ages of coastal dunes at K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Cooloola Sand Mass, Australia, using calibrated surface roughness dating. By analyzing topographic curvature and its relationship with age, they identified four major phases of dune emplacement, peaking at approximately 0.5, 1.5, 4, and 8.5 thousand years ago. This approach, validated with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages, demonstrates that surface roughness can serve as a reliable relative or absolute dating tool for large dune fields globally. The study leverages high-resolution elevation data and a limited set of known dune ages to systematically fill chronological gaps, offering a scalable solution for understanding complex dune systems.
A review of road infrastructure development and contemporary degradation on K’gari-Fraser Island
K'gari (Fraser Island) faces significant road degradation due to vehicular traffic and historical industry impacts, threatening its fragile ecosystem. A review of the island's road infrastructure reveals high volumes of tourism-related traffic contributing to erosion and deep-cuttings, particularly on unpaved sand roads. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions to mitigate environmental damage caused by current road conditions. Photographic evidence supports the argument for a more resilient transport network, balancing tourism demands with ecological preservation.
Aversive Conditioning
Aversive conditioning (AC) shows mixed but promising potential as a non-lethal tool for mitigating human–wildlife conflicts, though its effectiveness varies by species and context. Research across diverse settings—from urban hyenas in Israel to dingoes on K'gari (Fraser Island), coyotes in Edmonton, and bears in Jasper National Park—demonstrates that AC can train animals to associate specific behaviors or locations with negative stimuli, such as noise or pain, thereby reducing conflicts. However, success depends on factors like stimulus intensity, consistency of application, and the animal's learning capacity. For instance, while shock collars proved effective for dingoes in a pilot study, younger lions responded better to AC than older, chronic stock killers. Conditioned taste aversion (CTA), which induces nausea to deter problematic food habits, also shows potential but faces challenges in field application. Despite these limitations, AC remains a valuable addition to conflict management strategies, offering alternatives to lethal control when applied thoughtfully.
Best-practice dingo management: six lessons from K’gari (Fraser Island)
Successful dingo management on K’gari (Fraser Island) offers six key lessons for mitigating human-dingo conflicts, derived from over 20 years of adaptive strategies. The approach prioritizes people's safety and interests while targeting specific dingo behaviors and individuals. Central to this strategy is a deep understanding of local dingo ecology, clear pathways for intervention, and collaboration with stakeholders. This best-practice framework, encapsulated in the Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy, provides a model for managing similar conflicts involving canids globally.
Conservation concerns associated with low genetic diversity for K’gari–Fraser Island dingoes
The dingo population on K’gari (Fraser Island) exhibits significantly lower genetic diversity compared to mainland populations, with a fourfold reduction in effective population size. This finding, derived from an analysis of 9 microsatellite loci across 175 K’gari and 264 mainland dingo samples, reveals strong genetic differentiation between the island and mainland groups. The study attributes these patterns to founder effects and bottlenecks, common in small, isolated island populations. As the first large-scale genetic assessment for K’gari dingoes, this research underscores the need for genetic and demographic monitoring to mitigate human-induced mortality risks and ensure long-term conservation success.
The People of K’Gari/Fraser Island: Working through 250 Years of Racial Double Coding
A groundbreaking study recovers and reinterprets the history of the Badtjala people on K’gari (Fraser Island) through a personal, clan-based lens, challenging colonial narratives and asserting Indigenous sovereignty. The research, led by artist-academic Fiona Foley, traces 250 years of racial double coding—where the Butchulla people were simultaneously erased and commodified in Australian history—while emphasizing genealogy as a tool for cultural responsibility and Native Title recognition. Through archival analysis, oral histories, and artistic practice, Foley demonstrates how land claims (including the 2014 K’gari determination) restore Badtjala authority over their traditional country, countering centuries of dispossession. The accompanying film, Out of the Sea Like Cloud, further centers this local perspective within broader national and international contexts.
Without management interventions, endemic wet‐sclerophyll forest is transitioning to rainforest in World Heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia
Wet-sclerophyll forests on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, are transitioning to rainforest without management interventions. Research tracking three 0.4-hectare plots over 65 years found that rainforest trees recruited significantly faster than endemic wet-sclerophyll species like Syncarpia hillii and Lophostemon confertus, even under varying disturbance regimes (selective logging, fire, cyclones). Only five L. confertus saplings were detected in the smallest size class by 2017, indicating a decline. The study suggests that more pronounced disturbances or active management—such as fire—may be necessary to conserve this unique ecosystem, emphasizing collaboration with Indigenous landowners for effective conservation strategies.
Contemporary dingo management on K’gari (Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park) under the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
A comprehensive dingo management strategy on K’gari (Fraser Island) has been implemented to balance human safety and dingo welfare, integrating risk intervention and public education. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service's Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy (FIDCRMS), introduced in 2013, combines four key programs: Risk Intervention, Communication and Education, Research, and Review. This summary focuses on the practical execution of the first two programs, which aim to mitigate risks while fostering community engagement and compliance. The approach leverages data-driven risk assessment, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure sustainable coexistence between dingoes and humans in this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Utilisation of stranded marine fauna washed ashore on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, by dingoes
Stranded marine fauna, such as dead cetaceans and marine turtles, provide a substantial and regular food source for dingoes on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia. Between 2006 and 2016, an average of 30.3 tons of carrion was available annually, supporting the dietary needs of roughly 5–10% of the island’s dingo population. Camera traps revealed that dingoes, including entire packs, visited carcasses daily after a short decomposition period, indicating significant reliance on marine subsidies. This study highlights how marine strandings can influence terrestrial carnivore diet, behavior, and abundance, potentially leading to cascading effects in terrestrial ecosystems.
K’gari-Fraser Island: towards an immersive, interdisciplinary and inclusive approach to environmental and sustainability education
Immersive, interdisciplinary field-based learning on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, demonstrates transformative potential for environmental and sustainability education that surpasses traditional classroom settings. The study highlights how such experiences can foster enduring learning outcomes and student transformation, linking fieldwork to alternate futures. Conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast at Dilli Village—a key research hub—this case study emphasizes the need for a more inclusive, interdisciplinary approach to leverage K’gari’s unique ecosystems, indigenous history, and ongoing research projects. By integrating diverse courses and programs with real-world field activities, the university aims to enhance educational impact while addressing sustainability challenges.
Managing a contested cultural heritage place on K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland, Australia
A study on K’gari (Fraser Island) reveals that intangible Indigenous Knowledge is crucial for assigning cultural significance to contested places like Takky Wooroo. While tangible archaeological evidence is lacking, the research demonstrates that memorialization, association, and the archaeology of absence can link Takky Wooroo to a historically documented massacre event from the 19th century. The study employs a multi-vocal methodology within Indigenous archaeologies, combining oral history from Traditional Owners with archival sources to assess perceptions held by stakeholders. This approach highlights the importance of integrating intangible understandings in heritage management, particularly when material culture alone cannot establish significance.
Utilising aversive conditioning to manage the behaviour of K’gari (Fraser Island) dingoes (Canis dingo)
Aversive conditioning shows promise as a non-lethal alternative to lethal control for managing aggressive dingo behavior on K’gari (Fraser Island), reducing risks to human safety. The study reviews eight experimental approaches, including electric fencing, chemical repellents, and fear-evoking stimuli, with some—like exclusion fencing and personal protection tools—offering effective mitigation. However, methods such as conditioned taste aversion are deemed ineffective. While not a universal solution, aversive conditioning provides a viable gap-filling strategy in dingo management.
From den to dust: longevity of three dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) on Fraser Island (K’gari)
Wild dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) on Fraser Island (K’gari) can live for at least 13 years, with one individual successfully producing litters for over a decade. This finding emerges from a long-term study tracking ear-tagged and microchipped dingoes since 2002, providing rare longevity data for free-ranging Australian dingoes. Researchers analyzed recapture records and mortality observations to document the lifespan of three individuals, including a female dingo tracked from 2003 until her death in 2014. Such life-history insights are critical for assessing the stability and dynamics of closed dingo populations, offering valuable conservation implications for this species of high ecological significance.
Insects for breakfast and whales for dinner: the diet and body condition of dingoes on Fraser Island (K’gari)
Dingoes on Fraser Island (K’gari) exhibit excellent physical condition and a diverse diet, contradicting claims of starvation or poor health. Analysis of scat samples, stomach contents, and trail camera footage from 2001 to 2015 revealed that dingoes primarily consume medium-sized mammals like bandicoots, fish, and stranded marine fauna such as turtles and whales, with minimal reliance on human-sourced food. Body weights exceeded national averages, body condition scores indicated ideal-heavy physical health, and parasite loads were low. These findings challenge the need for human subsidies to improve dingo health, suggesting their diet and condition are robust and stable.
Availability and uses of spatial databases for research and management of K’gari-Fraser Island
K’gari (Fraser Island) is a unique and dynamic ecosystem highly sensitive to natural and human-induced changes such as fires, cyclones, pests, and recreation. A vast archive of spatial data, collected from diverse sources including remote sensing, surveys, digitization, and crowd-sourcing, holds significant potential for monitoring and managing this delicate environment. However, the integration of these datasets—originally designed for different scales and themes—often leads to misuse. The study proposes a theoretical model to guide the effective selection and utilization of spatial data, aiming to provide deeper insights into the island's ecosystem for better research and management under climate change scenarios.
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